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They are a bright footballing side but still seem to lack the ability to 'grind out' a result that all winning sides need...

Just as all winning sides need a tough, pragmatic manager prepared to face and make difficult, (unemotional), decisions, Bob. Unfortunately, I consider the team's loss to Juventus was the result of Pochettino's team selections & tactics.
Alderweireld & Rose are two of the best in Europe, in their respective positions. Cardinal rule in football; 'always pick your best players' Yet, Pochettino did not select either of them. There was no question at all regarding the fitness to play of Rose, and there seems to be universal skepticism, (Zid being the exception ) regarding the vaguely worded reasons advanced by the Manager for Alderweireld's continuing non selection. Both players are under contract to Spurs, and both will want to take full advantage of the opportunity to display their best form for inclusion in their respective world cup squads. So there are only benefits to be gained by the club by continuing to select them during this season, instead of omitting them because they may move on next season.
I don't think it necessary to comment on Pochettinno's insistence on purchasing, and even worse, selecting Lamela, Jansen, Llorente & Sissoko. His loyalty to Lamela is all very laudable, but his job is to act professionally, in the best interests of the club, not play nursemaid.
There is no question in my mind that Kane's sharpness both in movement and shooting, has deteriorated markedly in recent weeks. Almost certainly due to the amount of work he is required to put in foraging for the ball in the middle third of the pitch; when he should be receiving service of the ball, when he is in and around the opponents penalty box, (from where he has scored, I think, somewhere around 80% of his goals!). Pochetinno has done nothing to adjust the tactics whereby Kane will be enabled to spend time in the areas where he has proved most lethal, and has some support from another striker.
Ideally play with three strikers up front; as City, Liverpool & Chelsea are doing currently, so successfully. On current form, (not to mention his irritating & disruptive school boyish petulance), I do not consider Dele Alli worthy of selection ahead of Lucas Moura, who has looked impressive in his limited appearances. Moura, Kane & Son, look pretty good to me as a strike force, capable of testing the best of defences, within the EPL.
My team, which I think would have seen Spurs through to the next round of the Champions League; and which I think Pochettino should go with, for the rest of the season ; but he won't!
Formation: 1-4-2-1-3. Lloris; Trippier, Alderweireld ( or Sanchez),Vertonghen, Rose; Dembele, Dier; Eriksen;
Moura, Kane, Son

Mat when Alderweireld is missing from the back two Vertonghen's game suffers a massive drop as well.
As a "partnership" they play well together, but both have proved in the past they struggle without each other by their side.
Sanchez has potential, providing he can overcome his "rabbit in headlights" moments when someone passes to him.
Very few defensive players seem to thrive with a new partner, especially at the top level (Burnley this year probably being the exception). If Alderweireld goes in the Summer, get shot of Vertonghen as well, I predict that neither will be a success at their new clubs (unless they move to the same one!)

mat80,thank you for releasing your latest novel
Its true you do play your best side for the big matches BUT ONLY WHEN THEY ARE FULLY FIT !
Other than FA Cup ties against lower league opposition neither Alderweireld or Rose have been in the first team picture for months,plus Rose wants out as well.
So,yet again,you have spent hours compiling a post that is mainly out of touch with reality !

"Sorry about my unkempt appearance but reading mathusalahs post takes so long I havent had time for a shave" - Mauricio Pochettino

Just when I thought our chance had passed,you go and save the best for last.

mat80,thank you for releasing your latest novel -My pleasure :-" Its true you do play your best side for the big matches BUT ONLY WHEN THEY ARE FULLY FIT ! Absolutely Other than FA Cup ties against lower league opposition neither Alderweireld or Rose have been in the first team picture for months, plus Rose AND ALDERWEIRELD want out as well. Exactly the point I have made regarding Pochettinno's solution to the problem. So, yet again, you have spent hours compiling a post that is mainly out of touch with reality ! YOUR version of reality, not reality 'per se' :-"

"Sorry about my unkempt appearance but reading mathusalah's post takes so long I haven't had time for a shave" - Mauricio Pochettino Hi Mauricio, I am indeed honoured to discover you are numbered among my valued readers, and the extent to which you prioritize reading my insightful comments. Thank you. Mathusalah. i]

Congratulations Zid, on yet another of your well thought out selective responses. You really do have it down to an art form! Really happy you still find reading, and responding to, my 'books' irresistible!

Mat when Alderweireld is missing from the back two Vertonghen's game suffers a massive drop as well.
As a "partnership" they play well together, but both have proved in the past they struggle without each other by their side.

I do agree with you Statts, that Alderweireld & Vertonghen complement each other perfectly; the former's strength being in his tackling, with Vertonghen being a superb reader of the game & in his distribution. Sanchez is showing great promises, so perhaps it would be well worth while to persevere with a Sanchez/Vertonghen central pairing for next season, during which Sanchez could learn much from his more experienced partner.
I guarantee that both Alderweireld & Rose will make miraculous recoveries from the injuries ,( from which Zid insists they are suffering) , well before the English & Belgium world cup squads are announced. Also that both will be protesting loudly and vociferously that they have never been fitter. Equally interesting to see whether they are selected, of whether 'poetic justice' prevails, and they miss out .
One consolation for them both , is that they will have in The Mouth, a Manager who values loyalty to the same degree as they have demonstrated. :-"

Last edited by mathusalah80 on March 10, 2018, 7:28 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Perhaps you could arrange for "Mat's musings, the complete works" to be published on kindle at the end of the season so as Zid doesn't get bored during the cricket season

Great idea Statto. Unfortunately I will have to disappoint Zid, as I shall be posting , (reporting), on the Tennis thread; with Serena Williams & Screamarova temporarily usurping The Mouth, as my hero(ines).

After a battling display against Pool this was a very poor United outing, with the midfield totally outplayed. The visitors very much deserved the victory & progression & showed just how much farther United have to go in order to be competitive in Europe.

Roma squeezed through by the narrowest of margins as Shakhtar had a man sent off

Awful performance by United.Why play Rashford on the right when he did so well against Liverpool on the left on Sunday ?
Also,Fellaini wasn't match fit.....even if United had won you couldn't see them getting any further no matter who they played.....Sevilla deserved their win.
Good luck to Chelsea tonight btw.

Just when I thought our chance had passed,you go and save the best for last.